Robert Bob D. Fitzner

With gratitude for a long life well lived the family of Robert (Bob) Duncan Fitzner announces his passing on March 15, 2015, after a brief illness. Devoted to Dorothy, his wife of 66 years, and committed to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Bob lived a full and rewarding life of service and generosity towards others to the end. Bob was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and raised on Cape Breton Island where he graduated from Sydney Academy. Ever a successful student, Bob ventured off the Island at the early age of seventeen to attend St. F.X. after which he attended what was then the Nova Scotia Technical College and graduated with a P. Eng. in Civil Engineering in 1946. After graduation Bob joined the Province of Nova Scotia, Department of Highways, where he served his province as a civil engineer until his retirement.

A man of many interests, Bob enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years, along with harness racing, curling, golf and wine making. He was a member of the Association of Professional Engineers, the Nova Scotia Land Surveyors Association and the Mayflower Curling Club. His greatest joy, however, was his family for whom he was ever the protector and provider. His grandchildren were a special joy in his life and he was blessed with the gift of great grandchildren in his final year.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy (nee Cole), his four children, Janet (Dr. Thomas Boyle), Joan (Paul Hobrecker), Robert and Karen, his four grandchildren, Kerry Woodley (David), Leigh Fitzner-LeBlanc (Christine Walkowicz), Ian Fitzner-LeBlanc (Anne-Marie Houlihan), Mars Hobrecker and two great grandchildren, Hazel Woodley and Owen Fitzner-LeBlanc. Also surviving are his sister Evelyn MacArthur, brother Stanley Fitzner (Teresa), uncle Vincent MacMaster (Alice) and many caring nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his father, John Robert, his mother Mary (nee MacMaster), infant brother John, and brother Carl, lost in WWII.

Arrangements for Bob have been entrusted to the JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, N.S. A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, March 20th at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Church. A Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Adsum House, or a charity of choice.